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(DRAFT) Consciousness Studies as a Tool for Transformation in the Field of Conflict Analysis

& Resolution

Madison McCoy

George Mason University

Spring 2017

Professor DeFazio

English 302
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Abstract:

The field of Conflict Analysis and Resolution has developed from a wide array of

disciplines. In its early years, theories of the field centered around inter-state conflicts, or

conflicts between state to state. Eventually, theorists began to observe a shift in the form of

conflicts that were being experienced globally, from intra state to interstate. This observation

produced the first paradigm shift wherein theories now focus on top down resolution approaches.

The cConflict undergraduate program at George Mason University reflects this foundation.

Experts such as Sara Cobb and HawaH Kasat, support a call for a second paradigm shift in the

field. Through the analysis of research, narrative discourse, and the role individuals play in

conflict, consciousness studies becomes a clear foundation for effective conflict resolution.
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In the wake of the Cold War, hungry for a solution and for peace, experts in various

disciplines began seeing the value of studying conflict as a general phenomena. These experts

hoped to discover common themes in conflict that would allow for deeper analysis of an issue,

ultimately resulting in resolution. Through the multi-disciplinary approach utilizing the expertise

and foundations of fields such as international relations, sociology, psychology, anthropology

and more, the field of Conflict Analysis and Resolution was born. Scholarly journals, practices,

theories, and institutions unique to the field followed shortly after. One of the most prominent

institutions, often modeling curricula and hosting the worlds leading experts in the discipline is

the School for Conflict Analysis at George Mason University. The schools undergraduate website

boasts a deep exploration into the field of conflict, where students will discover how to analyze a

conflict from multiple levels, meshing a wide array of theory and practice to produce a

resolution. While these theories are extensive, the current pattern of study holds a gap, the

foundation is lacking. There is little to no formal exploration of the ways in which consciousness

plays a role in the well- rounded conflict practitioner, and the ways in which artfully adjusting

such facets of human experience can produce a resolution. Through the exploration of various

scholarly journals, conflict theories, and research studies, the clear role of consciousness studies

as a foundational component of Conflict Analysis and resolution. Through the exploration of

both consciousness studies and conflict resolution, the need for including consciousness studies

as a key component of the field will become clear.

Practitioners are consistently constantly in the pursuit of a substantive resolution; yet do

not consider individuals consciousnesss to be an integral part of resolution. One of the core

theories in the field of study is Marie A. Dugans theory of Nested Conflicts. This Nested Model

theorizes that conflict can begin to be resolved through the identification of the level at which the
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source of the conflict lies. There are four levels of conflict, issue specific, relational, structural:

sub-system, and structural: system. In other words, conflict sources can come from a specific

issue in an individuals life, a source between two people in a relational conflict, a community

conflict, or a global/systematic conflict (Dugan, 1996). These source levels are nested within

one another, and therefore not mutually exclusive, wherein the model speaks to how [the]

categories are related, narrower types being nested in the broader types (Dugan, 1996). In other

words, whether recognized consciously or not, a conflict within a societal system, will put strain

on interpersonal relational issues. These issues are not mutually exclusive. In pursuit of

resolution for such a conflict, the field often advocates for a top down approach. This can be

clearly seen through John Burtons Cconflict Pprovention theory. The theory argues that in order

to fully address conflict, societal structures must be rebuilt to prevent conflict at the source,

which argues for a restructuring of society so that daily norms result in the prevention of conflict

rather than just responding to conflict when it occurs. Although this theory has merit, to believe

that a resolution can be obtained simply by removing the external issue fails to address the

trauma, narrative, and complex nature of a systematic society. While many conflicts are a facet

of a larger systematic issue, the system is comprised of individuals overall. Conflict theory needs

to start considering restructuring the system one individual at a time, transformed from the inside

out. Dr Susan Allen states conflict engages our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls

Consciousness shapes our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls and their mutual entanglement

(Allen, 2011). If we are striving for peace, we must begin with ourselves.

Consciousness can be broadly defined as sensory and emotional perception, memory,

volition, aversions and desires, cognition, and especially, to awareness within each of these areas

and beyond (Allen, 2011). Based on this definition, it seems that consciousness is the awareness
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of each and every momentof all a moment has to offer, allowing each of us to understand the

world around us in a nonjudgmental, observational way. Richard Kegan dedicated his

dissertation in fact, to the exploration of conflict and consciousness. He states:

In the first stage, one is unaware of conflict. Conflict does not exist. In

the second stage, conflict is instrumental: I am my needs, and there is no shared

reality. In the third stage, conflict is a threat: I have needs, I am my relationships,

there is a shared reality, and there is no separate self. In the fourth stage, conflict

is collaboration: I seek to discover you and your needs, I have relationships, and I

am self-authoring. In the fifth stage, conflict is a challenge: I engage in self-

transformation and inter-individuation (Allen, 2011).

Becoming aware of a conflict is the basis of our ability to transforming it. As seen

through the stages in Keagans model above, it is clear that consciousness is not a static state of

mind, rather something that is constantly growing and changing. Consciousness can mean an

awareness of ones own internal experiences, awareness of the self and relation to the group, or a

consciousness around the interconnectedness of the world as a whole. This shift in consciousness

is the most sustainable way to address conflict, as it is a transformation from the inside out.

Human beings are naturally storytellers. We pass down lore through generations, and

share our day with others through the recounting of linear events. It could be argued that part of

what makes the social media application Ssnapchat so successful is its story mode; allowing

users to share short videos and photos with followers recounting their daily experience. This

need for story telling is no different when in conflict. Dr. Sara Cobb points out that all conflict is

constructed of individuals, and each of these individuals has a narrative that they are

experiencing internally regarding their outside world. She argues that conflict is a function of the
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stories parties spin (Cobb, 2013). Often times, conflict narratives are what Cobb refers to as a

flat narrative. It is a polarized, extremist viewpoint that is built upon the belief that I am right,

therefore the other must be wrong (Cobb, 2013). The first step in transforming these flat

narratives is to become conscious of their existence in the first place. No matter the size, degree,

or age of a conflict, the key to transforming it is through helping the individual shift their

narrative. Through the understanding of an individual, group or nations narrative within a

conflict, one can artfully shift the narrative and reconstruct it. This ultimately offers formerly

intractable conflicts the ability to transform into a resolution. This sentiment is reiterated in the

book Worldview Skills: Transforming Conflict from the Inside Out. Here, the author describes

how awareness of individuals worldview, or personal narrative, plays a role in the conflicts

escalation as well as resolution (Sutherland, 2009). She suggests that a clear, nonjudgmental

personal awareness of these thought patterns is the first step in shifting them to a more

productive and peaceful mindset.

Sara Cobb lays out a number of core practices in the conflict field such as mediation,

negotiation, problem solving workshops, and dialogue to shift consciousness. Each of these well-

known practices, while often done from a classic conflict theory perspective, also hold the

capacity to have narrative theory applied as their foundation. For example, most mediations are

based around the core theory that through negotiation of needs, conflict can be resolved, that

there is a truth to discover (Hanson, 2004). Narrative mediation approaches resolution through

helping parties double witness, experience compassion, and co-construct a narrative as a group.

Through storytelling and listening to each the other, individuals to begin to become aware of the

flaws, victim mentality, value ascribing, and resentment their own narrative holds. In other

words, consciousness expands from the stage of I am my needs, and there is no shared reality,
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to understanding a shared reality, a commitment to discovering anothers needs, and self-

transformation (Allen, 2011). Without the shift in consciousness, individuals are held hostage in

self- centered needs, and unable to move forward to a collective reality of peace.

Practices such as meditation and art therapy allow for individuals to become aware of

narratives without a third- party present. Without a doubt, mindfulness practices allow for

individuals to increase consciousness. Most of us live anywhere but the present moment,

thinking about the past or the future, dissociatingdisassociating through technology. This mind

wandering distracts from present situations, and allows for projection of past experiences and

future fears onto potentially unrelated present events (Hafenbrack et al, 2013). Mindfulness

demands that one steps into the present moment, to connect to what is current, expanding

consciousness to understanding a shared reality.

This newfound consciousness of a shared reality once again can help produce a more

complex narrative. A 2014 study on Meditation published in the Journal of Psychological

Science explored the ways the ways meditation affected three different groups in the terms of

baisesbiases. The experiment revealed that after participants meditated for 15 minutes, they were

able to uncover previously unrecoverable information. This new perspective, or shift in

consciousness was able to affect their actions regarding a conflict in a positive way. Through the

action of meditation, individuals are brought into the present moment and able to become aware

of the narratives they are spinning, allowing for more peace to be produced.

Consciousness provides individuals with the ability to respond rather than react. It is all

too easy to react in a violent manner when in the heat of the moment. Increased consciousness

offers an internal moment to pause, producing a conscious response rather than a knee jerk

reaction. A study conducted in Washington DC revealed that meditation helped to reduce crime
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rates in DCthe area. It was found that HRA crimes dropped a great deal during the

Demonstration project, and an overall decrease in violent crimes of 15.6% (Hagelin et al, 1999).

Other studies have proven that mindfulness practices produce more self- control in subjects

(Tang, 2007). While the reduction in violent crime could have been a product of a number of

factors, it is possible that meditation increased consciousness. This consciousness resulted in

individuals discovering the space to respond rather than react in the face of high stress and

/potentially violent situations, working towards peace.

When saturated in anger it is almost natural to act in a manner that would inflame a

conflict. When faced with a conflict, a number of negative responses in the brain are produced,

ultimately breeding more conflicts/mental issues (Horton, 2003). When one becomes

preoccupied with these negative feelings, conflict easily escalates (Smyth, 2012). Through

increasing consciousness, one is able to become aware of the negative emotions in the first place,

as well as note that other emotions are equally present. Furthermore, consciousness increasing

mindfulness practices such as journaling, meditation, and art therapy released cortisol in the

brain (Laurent, 2016). This cortisol helps to combat negative emotions in the face of conflict,

allowing one to shift from a place of anger, to a place of serenity. Once again, mindfulness

allows for individuals to occupy the present moment, and even hold space for understanding how

the past and future may connect to the present. This awareness of self, ones needs, and values

provides individuals the opportunity to make sure their actions reflect said values.

The tools mentioned above are without a doubt imperative for a successful conflict

practitioner in producing resolution. However, they are tools not only for those in strife, but for

the conflict practitioners themselves. The mediation handbook, Bringing Peace into the Room,

argues that it is a conflict practitioners job to embody the peace that they hope to create.
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Traditional mediation calls for practitioners to be nonjudgmental, stable catalysts for peace.

Little of the formal field is dedicated to conflict practitioners learning how to achieve inner

peace. Inner peace is not valued as a core component of assisting in the resolution of the conflict

one is analyzing. To walk into a space carrying your own conflicts, such as your morning

argument with the spouse over who should take out the garbage, will put strain on the situation

presently in front of you. It is hard to cultivate peace if you are saturated in anger, even as a

professional.

An interview with mindfulness and conflict expert, HawaH Kasat expresses the

interconnectedness of inner peace and a conflict practitioners ability to construct peace.

Consciousness in his eyes is taking the time to empathize and embrace the world around you

(Kasat, 2017). If one is not able to face their own feelings, and be present with themselves, or

take the time to be aware of those around them, ones ability to resolve conflict is compromised.

How can you expect to build bridges if you are not aware of where everyone is coming from?

Holding a deep consciousness of ones own background, worldviews, and narrative will allow for

the practitioner to remain at least unbiased, and truly cultivate peace.

The field of conflict analysis and resolution prides itself on being a multidisciplinary

study. Anthropology, psychology, and sociology have all shaped the theories that construct the

core of conflict analysis and resolution. Postmodern approaches to conflict such as narrative

mediation explore the ways in which shifts in consciousness construct peace, while research

proves the conflict reducing effects of meditation. These tools are not only powerful for

practitioners to use in the role of a conflicts third party, but in their personal growth to ensure

they truly bring peace into the room. Through the extensive research provided above, it is clear

that the field needs to begin to consider consciousness studies a core foundation for effective
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resolution of conflict. Conflict is a phenomenaphenomenon that can only be truly transformed

from the inside out. This transformation begins with consciousness.

Works Cited:
Cobb, S., & UPSO. (2013). Speaking of violence : The politics and poetics of narrative in conflict
resolution (Explorations in narrative psychology).
Dugan, M. (1996). A Nested Theory of Conflict, 1.
Hafenbrack, A., Kinias, Z., & Barsade, S. (2014). Debiasing the Mind Through
Meditation. Psychological Science, 25(2), 369-376.
Hagelin, J., Rainforth, S., Cavanaugh, M., Alexander, V., Shatkin, K., Davies, L., . . . Orme-Johnson, N.
(1999). Effects of Group Practice of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Preventing
Violent Crime in Washington, D.C.: Results of the National Demonstration Project, June--July
1993. Social Indicators Research, 47(2), 153-201.
Horton-Deutsch, & Horton. (2003). Mindfulness: Overcoming intractable conflict. Archives of
Psychiatric Nursing, 17(4), 186-193.
Kasat, H. (2017) Expert Interview.
Laurent, Heidemarie K., Hertz, Robin, Nelson, Benjamin, & Laurent, Sean M. (2016). Mindfulness
during romantic conflict moderates the impact of negative partner behaviors on cortisol
responses. Hormones and Behavior, 79, 45-51.
Nan, S.A. (2011). Consciousness in culture-based conflict and conflict resolution. Conflict Resolution
Quarterly, 28 (3), 239-269.
Sandole, D. (2006). Traditional Realism versus the New Realism: John W. Burton, Conflict
Provention , and the Elusive Paradigm Shift. Global Society, 20(4), 543-562.
Smyth, L. (2012). Escalation and Mindfulness. Negotiation Journal,28(1), 45-72.
Sutherland, J. (2005).Worldview Skills: Transforming Conflict from the Inside Out. Worldview
Strategies.
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Tang, Yy, Ma, Yh, Wang, J, Fan, Yx, Feng, SG, Lu, Ql, . . . Posner, Mi. (2007). Short-term meditation
training improves attention and self-regulation. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of
Sciences Of The United States Of Ame, 104(43), 17152-17156.
Hansen Toren, The Narrative Approach to Mediation, 4 Pepp. Disp. Resol. L.J. Iss. 2 (2004)
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